Heavy rain floods city

No serious incidents were reported during the downpour but several shacks across the city were flooded

NAVIGATING: Heavy rain flooded several areas in the city yesterday afternoon. Traffic moved slowly as motorists tried to avoid getting stuck in the 'flowing rivers' of water. Picture: Danie van der Lith

A heavy rainstorm caused flooding in several areas in Kimberley yesterday.

The rainstorm, which broke out shortly after lunchtime, left scores of vehicles stuck and many roads inaccessible, due to rising water levels caused by flooded stormwater drains.

The southern parts of Kimberley appeared to be the hardest hit by the heavy downpour, with several reports of “roads being turned into rivers” coming from Belgravia, Beaconsfield and Greenpoint.

At informal settlements across the city hundreds of shacks were also flooded during the downpour.

At the Beaconsfield subway a truck, belonging to PA Walters Scrapyard, was completely submerged in the water as the subway flooded and became inaccessible to motorists. The truck had to be removed with the assistance of towing services.

Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson, Sello Matsie, said yesterday that no serious incidents were reported during the downpour but that several shacks across the city, from Donkerhoek to Greenpoint, were flooded as a result.

Residents reported streams of water flooding their houses and drenching their furniture, with many calling on the municipality to assist.

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NAVIGATING: Heavy rain flooded several areas in the city yesterday afternoon. Traffic moved slowly as motorists tried to avoid getting stuck in the 'flowing rivers' of water. Picture: Danie van der Lith

DROWNING: A truck, belonging to PA Walters Scrapyard, was completely submerged under water in the Beaconsfield subway yesterday. Picture: Danie van der Lith